Visit Hawaii: Pearl Harbor Memorial Facts, Hours and Exhibits

While taking in reefs and natural splendor are great things to do in Honolulu Hawaii, also be sure to stop at one of America’s most important historical landmarks. The Pearl Harbor Memorial is a forty minute drive from Honolulu, and the site of the “day which will live in infamy.” On December 7, 1941 the United States was pulled into World War II by a brutal attack by Japanese forces on the Pearl Harbor naval base. Today, the site is preserved for all to pay respects—from dedicated patriots to history lovers. Tours are available at the Pear Harbor Memorial, including many packaged tours from the neighboring islands.

However, you will need some facts, including the hours and type of exhibits available. Having this information is the only way to see the beauty and understand the historical significance of this national treasure.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Facts

Out of all of the Oahu tourist attractions, this one is truly the most remarkable. Not only do you have a unique opportunity to go back into time, but also, you can relive the heroes who helped save America from certain doom and destruction during that fateful day.

In 2011, the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks commenced with a huge ceremony, with more than 2 million visitors and over 800,000 viewers watching by television. The event was held at the memorial, which to date is still one of the most popular places to visit in Hawaii.

The area is exactly 17 acres with advanced technology including an interactive art museum, open-air and multimedia exhibits. There are also a number of educational facilities where children can connect and learn their history first hand.

Although the memorial is extremely large, there are usually about 4,000 visitors every day. It is nearly impossible to predict the best days to arrive, since they practically never close. Although, according to their latest statistics, spring break, summer and winter holiday seasons are the most busy.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Hours of Operation

As you visit Hawaii, make sure take note of the hours of operation, they are a little different from other attractions. Whether you plan to travel during the weekdays or weekends, you can enjoy unlimited access to the memorial anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Unlike many other facilities, they do not close on Sundays.

They only observe three national holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. They do have some programs that open at certain times, however. For example, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. you can visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

Pearl Harbor Memorial Exhibits

Spending time at the memorial always tops the list of things to do in Honolulu, Hawaii, especially since 1999, when the Battleship Missouri Memorial was added. To date, there are three main exhibits. In addition to the Battleship Missouri, there is also the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum, which opened in 2006.

If you want to get ahead of the massive crowds, try to arrive as close to opening time as possible. The tour busses don’t usually arrive until after 9:00 a.m. and that gives you about two full hours before things start to get congested.